ee! e r F ke on Ta
Edition 414
6 March 2017
Fast ferry service proposal presented to Premier A fast ferry service with an interchange at Ettalong is being proposed as part of a billion dollar business plan that Central Coast Council has presented to the Premier and Cabinet of the NSW Government. The proposal, presented to NSW Government Ministers at a recent Community Cabinet meeting, included the “construction of Ettalong Wharf and Pier including a transport interchange and parking facilities. “Council is seeking an audience in confidence with the State Government to present the opportunity and formulate a strategy and roadmap for the realisation of the project with a view to it being a State Significant Project,” briefing notes presented to the Ministers said. “This State Significant Project will require partnership with the NSW State Government across a number of portfolios including planning, lands and Roads and Maritime Services. “It has the potential to change the face of the Central Coast region, bring significant
An example of a high speed ferry that travels between Japan and South Korea
employment and economic stimulus to the region and contribute to the social wellbeing of the community,” the notes said. Mr Steve Duncan, Chairman of the G5 Global Vision Foundation, and one of the proponents of the project, said it had involved years of planning. Mr Duncan had also played
a part in previous proposals to develop a fast ferry service between Central Coast and Sydney. “The Central Coast Council has been very meticulous in dealing with our proposal because they want it to happen,” Mr Duncan said. “Our group specialises in
infrastructure capital raising and we have serious projects on the go in India, South Africa and Asia,” he said. “We have the DA process and the public involvement process ready to go. “He have brought in the best architects and engineers Australia has to offer and this is
about infrastructure. “As an international investment banker, I knew I had to secure the funding first and that is what I have done. “We have asked Council to give us the green light to start working through all the issues with the community and the environment,” he said. Another element of the proposal would be a privatelyowned dredge to keep the Brisbane Water channel at Half Tide Rocks navigable for the fast ferries at all time. “The actual channel into Brisbane Water has been filled up from reckless dredging and beach replenishment so Brisbane Water is under-utilised because the boating fraternity won’t bring their vessels in,” he said. The boats to be used are similar to those that are currently in use as ferry services between South Korea and Japan. Cabinet briefing notes, 9 Feb 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Interview, 21 Feb 2017 Steve Duncan, G5 Global Vision Foundation Reporter: Jackie Pearson
Centenarians celebrate birthdays Two Peninsula Villages residents are celebrating milestone birthdays this month. Ms Biddy Abrahams and Ms Eileen Banks marked their 100th and 103rd birthdays respectively with a special morning tea held in their honour. The centenarians were each also given birthday cakes and a bunch of flowers containing one flower for each year of their lives. “We love to celebrate our residents, especially when they reach such important milestones as the 100 club,” said Peninsula Village chief executive officer Mr Shane Neaves. “We now have three lovely ladies who are aged over 100
years living at Peninsula Villages. “Both Biddy and Eileen are much admired around the Village so we were grateful for an opportunity to spoil them,” Mr Neaves added. The newest centenarian at the Village, Ms Abrahams has lived a fascinating life. Born in 1917 in the throes of the First World War, she was brought up by her grandmother and later trained to be a nursery help for a nanny. Ms Abrahams joined the Women’s Land Army in 1941 where one of her jobs was to deliver the mail to different farms. Because she didn’t know how to ride a bike, she was given a horse to make her rounds. The Women’s Land Army is
one of Ms Abraham’s fondest memories, as it was an opportunity for her to be back in the bush, acting resourcefully and feeling valued. Ms Abrahams moved to Umina in the early 1980s with her late husband Eric and said she loved the Central Coast lifestyle. She’s been living in her own home at Peninsula Villages for two years where she can enjoy hobbies such as knitting, crochet and embroidery. “Both Biddy and Eileen have a wonderful sense of humour and enjoy their independence, perhaps pointing to some secrets of ageing well,” Mr Neaves said. Media release, 27 Feb 2017 Katey Small, Brilliant Logic PR Ms Biddy Abrahams joined the 100 club in style at Peninsula Villages
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